REASONS TO CREATE A DETAILED PLAN FOR LIFELONG CARE OF YOUR CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
If you’ve been caring for your child who has special needs, you have deep personal knowledge of how your child behaves and responds. You know what they like and what they hate. You know what triggers an anxious or distressed reaction. It could be a flavor, a type of music, a color, or a person.
As an aging parent, you are probably concerned about who will take care of your child when you are...
Keep an Eye on your Federal Benefits During the Shut-Down
With the ongoing Federal Government shutdown entering its second week, it’s very reasonable for individuals who receive some kind of direct government payment or benefit (such as Social Security Retirement benefits, or Medicaid benefits) to be worried about whether their benefits will continue during the shutdown, or whether their ongoing applications or appeals will continue to be processed....
Here’s Why we Nag our Clients to Name Contingent Beneficiaries in their Wills
A complex case out of Kansas demonstrates why is so important to name back-up contingent beneficiaries in a Will: stuff happens.
IN RE: the Estate of Larry Franklin Holderman. (2025) | FindLaw
A fellow named Larry — the “testator” / the man who signed the Last Will and Testament – lived with his parents. When he signed his Will in 1999, he had (1) a deceased sister who had a...
MEDICAL DEBT RELIEF LAW CAN HELP NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS
If you are concerned about medical debts that you may need to pay (whether it’s for yourself or for someone you are financially responsible for), a new law in New Jersey could be very helpful to you. It’s called the “Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act.”
Effective July 22, 2025, a health care service provider that issues a bill to a patient or legally responsible individual cannot try to...

Does Inheritance Count as Income Towards Medicaid? What You Need to Know
New Jersey Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) is a needs-based program that provides health services to low-income individuals. Those who benefit from this program include people over 65 and those with disabilities. The eligibility depends on the income and assets (“resources”).
If you have a loved one who is a Medicaid dependent, medical bills can be substantial, especially for...
Gifts can cause Medicaid problems — and the formula is about to change
Nursing home care is very expensive in New Jersey and people often turn to Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) to pay for that care. The rules for the program are complicated, but with our proper guidance, eligibility can be obtained. I’ve written earlier posts about aspects of the application process. The application requires a 5 year lookback — 5 years of financial...
How an Elder Law Firm Can Help You Navigate Medicaid and Estate Planning
Understanding the Role of Focused Elder Law Services
Growing older brings unique legal challenges that require professional guidance and understanding. At Fink Rosner Ershow-Levenberg, we focus on helping New Jersey families navigate the complex landscape of elder law, offering comprehensive support for both immediate and long-term planning needs.
Comprehensive Medicaid Planning Support...

Can My Real Estate Transfer Affect My Eligibility for Medicaid?
When planning for long-term care and Medicaid eligibility, one of the most significant concerns for seniors and their families is how property transfers might affect their benefits. Understanding the relationship between real estate transfers and Medicaid eligibility is crucial for proper estate planning and ensuring access to necessary care.
Understanding Medicaid’s Look-Back Period...
Life insurance — a useful tool for estate planning and management
An Estate without funds can be very difficult to administer! If the estate’s assets include real estate or a business to be sold, substantial cash may be needed to pay property taxes or wind down the business. If the beneficiaries of the Estate are Class C (siblings) or Class D (all others), New Jersey Transfer Inheritance Tax will need to be paid unless the inheritance is small. Many...
Everything You Need to Know: Legal Guardianship for Adults with Disabilities
Legal guardianship for adults with disabilities is a crucial protective arrangement that ensures vulnerable individuals receive proper care and support throughout their lives. At Fink Rosner Ershow-Levenberg Marinaro, LLC, our experienced elder law attorneys understand the complexities of guardianship law and help families navigate this important legal process.
Understanding Legal...
